Residents at a care home with a difference near Worcester will be embracing an eclectic range of fun activities during World Alzheimer's Month in September.   

A visit from BBC sports presenter Garry Richardson, cookery master classes from the home’s award winning chef, a trip to Burnham on Sea, local visits and massage therapy are among the events on the cards at Fernhill House, with the BBC visit open to the wider public, friends and families as well.   

The activities coincide with World Alzheimer's Month, an international campaign aimed at raising awareness of this specific form of dementia.   

Day-to-day life for everyone at Fernhill House, whether or not they are living with dementia, are innovative – with facilities such as an indoor potting shed, a ‘real’ pub, a shop and 1950s and 60s themed games and assistance from staff dressed casually in vintage clothes.   

The home, with its ethos of fun and enjoying retirement living, also has its own beautifully equipped children’s nursery complete with lifelike dolls which residents can ‘adopt’. 

This doll therapy can be a very powerful way of helping people with dementia manage their condition – with some very touching outcomes.   

The focus is on vibrancy and choosing activities which residents want – with some of the most popular guests to the home returning on a regular basis, such as the Poppy Sisters, with their vintage musical act and gym instructor Alana.   

In addition to arts and crafts, holistic therapies and gardening, events such as tea dances, choir therapy, recitals by string quartets, celebrity guest speakers, cooking workshops and bubbles and blinis evenings are regular fixtures on the activities calendar.   

The beauty therapists, chiropodist and hairdresser all have experience of working with people with dementia – and the hairdressing salon is also open on Thursdays to non-residents with dementia.   

For more information or to book a hair appointment for a friend or relative with dementia contact info@fernhillhouse.co.uk or call 01905 679300.